The University of Colorado at Boulder is beginning the spring semester with a new tradition called "Spirit Fridays," and is inviting all students, staff and faculty to show their school spirit by donning their favorite CU clothes, decorating their desks or otherwise showing their positive school spirit in any way they choose.

Friday, Jan. 16 will be the first "Spirit Friday" and the entire campus is invited to show how they care about their university.

The new tradition, says CU-Boulder Chancellor G.P. "Bud" Peterson, is not related directly to intercollegiate athletics, but rather is centered in "finding our vital points of connection to CU and making sure they stay strong."

"Our new Spirit Fridays tradition is an opportunity for our faculty, staff and students to show their pride in our world-class university," said Chancellor G.P. "Bud" Peterson. "Often times spirit rallies revolve around an athletic team or game, but this is about expressing our spirit for everything we are proud of at CU-Boulder. This is essential to a thriving university community."

Spirit Fridays are a partnership among CU Staff Council, the University of Colorado Student Union (UCSU) and the Division of Student Affairs. Staff Council Co-Chair Donna Maes says the goal is to "harness our campus energies as a way to build community and loyalty around CU," and adds that Staff Council sponsoring the tradition "is a natural fit."

"Staff have been some of CU's most spirited supporters over the years," said Maes. "We are excited to help integrate this great new tradition."

CU faculty members have a long tradition of showing their CU spirit in their classrooms, research labs and through outreach efforts through out the state.

Student groups and Staff Council are planning events during the spring semester, including a departmental spirit photo competition, a student spirit competition and plans are underway to design a spirit pin.

"Having a chance to show your spirit for everything that CU has to offer, whether it's academics, research, athletics or just the wonderful community that we have, provides us with a reminder of why we're all here," said Tri-Executive Dustin Farivar, with the University of Colorado Student Union.

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Julie Wong is hopeful the new tradition will take hold quickly and be shared by students, faculty and staff across campus.

"The best traditions are natural ones," said Wong. "The love and loyalty people have for this institution is real, and that affinity looms large as we face some tough fiscal times locally and nationally. But history shows that institutions and people prevail during tough times with this kind of renewed spirit. The university community looks forward to seeing the pride and creativity of students, staff and faculty this Friday and for each 'Spirit Friday.' "